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“Last year someone had a video projection in their front window," said Dorothy Bernice, the chairwoman of the Community Celebrations committee. "Santa would actually come over and wave to people outside watching him. It was amazing -- even a little startling.”
Residents and merchants are decking the halls -- and windows and porches and lampposts and more -- in the two and a half weeks leading up to the annual decoration contest.
Laura Baker is chairman of the judging committee, that will view all decorated homes and businesses for three nights: Dec. 18, 19, and 20.
Final judging will take place Monday, Dec. 21 from 6-10 p.m.
A lot of thought, time and effort goes into the judging, which Bernice said has been a tradition since long before she became chairwoman of the borough’s Community Celebrations committee 38 years ago.
The town is divided into six sectors, and committee members are carefully chosen to prevent a “home court” advantage.
They then view every house or business in their sector and judge several categories: general display, lamppost, inflatables, front porch & window, and holiday lane -- a designation given to an entire decorated street or neighborhood.
First, second, and third place and honorable mention are given in every category.
All participants are asked to have their displays lighted from 7-11 p.m. on judging nights. Winners will be posted at the Hasbrouck Heights Free Public Library and in local news media. There may also be inductees into the holiday decorating Hall of Fame.
“After the results are published, people go in droves to see the winners," Bernice said. "We have gatherings standing in the street taking pictures.”
For information on last year's winners, CLICK HERE.
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